2015 Ford Edge (ier) Close-up Look by Steve Purdy +VIDEO

We had just had our first look at the all-new Ford Edge, the
mid-size, 5-passenger crossover that has led its segment nearly since its
introduction in 2006. I recall being on the launch event for the Edge in
San Francisco and being impressed with its style, convenience and
drivability. This new one will update all that and could continue to lead
this high-volume, ultra-competitive market segment.

When we see the term “all-new” we’re always a
bit skeptical. In this case the platform is all-new, at least for Edge.
It’s on the more rigid European-based platform used for the new
Fusion and Mondeo as well as the current Lincoln MK-Z. You’ll find
the new Edge looks similar to the current Edge, particularly in its overall
shape and profile, partly because it has been so popular with buyers that
Ford does not want to make it too different. They have succeeded, in my
view, in bringing this new design to an impressive level of panache.

Exterior and interior styling and design get significant
upgrades, including quality of materials and content, in order to keep up
with intense competition throughout the industry. Although the shape and
profile of this the new Edge matches that of the outgoing model Ford has
held back nothing in updating it to a bolder, sexier, brasher look with
strong character lines, LED lighting bigger wheels, and just a much more
edgy look and feel. Ford’s design boss, Murray Callum, calls it a
look of being “shrink-wrapped around the mechanics.”

More big news from Ford is that this will be the first Edge to be
sold in Europe. This one will be amenable to right hand drive and in Europe
it will sport two diesel engine options there. No gasoline version will go
to Europe. Currently the crossover only comes from Ford’s Canadian
assembly plant but we got the distinct impression it may soon have to be
built elsewhere as well to sate anticipated demand.

Ford will be throwing every bit of new technology it can into the
new Edge, like: lane departure and lane keeping, self parking and new
system that will get you out of the parking spot called Exit Assist,
adaptive cruise control, 180-degree front and rear cameras, adaptive
steering, automatic start/stop, Curve Control and Collision Mitigation to
keep you out of trouble plus all the conventional stuff like ABS, stability
control and brake assist. It is not a stretch to see that all this brings
us, and Ford, another step closer to autonomous vehicles. The new Edge will
also have inflatable seat belts in the rear and a front knee airbag that
pops out of the glove box.

Three engines, but only one transmission, will power the new
North American Edge. The six-speed automatic transmission (with paddle
shifters standard on all models) will be mated to a new 2.0-liter EcoBoost
I4 (the base engine), a new EcoBoost 2.7-liter V6 and the carryover
3.5-liter, normally-aspirated V6 for the Sport model. Ford has been putting
most of their powertrain eggs in the EcoBoost basket – their name for
a broad line of engines with direct injection, turbocharging and dual
variable valve timing. The powertrain team is not ready yet to provide EPA
or power numbers but imply improvement over current ones.

The new Edge is incrementally bigger in just about every
dimension than the outgoing model. A good share of the extra length goes
into rear seat room but cargo capacity is improved as well. The Ford team
claims class-leading numbers in interior volume.

Pricing will not be announced until much closer to launch and we
anticipate an increase. In Europe the Edge will compete head-to-head with
offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi so will have some pricing
flexibility. In the US it will have to compete more intensely with great
products from just about every manufacturer from Kia to Acura to Cadillac
to Lexus.

The new Edge is expected at dealers in the first quarter of 2015,
though timing has not been announced for European or Asian markets.